Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) unanimously approved a new transmission line project for Tucson Electric Power (TEP). The Midtown Reliability Project aims to address the growing energy needs in central Tucson by upgrading the local grid with a new 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line and substation.

ACC Chairman Jim O’Connor praised the decision, emphasizing its role in enhancing grid reliability and modernizing infrastructure. The project will replace outdated equipment and enable the retirement of up to eight existing substations and 19 miles of lower-voltage lines over the next decade.

Despite community requests to bury the lines underground to minimize visual impact, this would have added $67 million to the project cost. To protect ratepayers, the ACC approved the above-ground construction.

TEP is set to complete the project by summer 2027. The company will seek a special exception from the City of Tucson to proceed with above-ground construction in certain areas and plans to reapply for a land use permit for the Vine Substation.

The ACC’s decision follows a July 19 endorsement from the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee.

Source: dailyenergyinsider.com